Gombe LP Calls For Release Of Political Detainees Since 2021

By Ayodele Oni

Some detainees arrested in Gombe state in connection with a political crisis in the state since 2021 are still being held.

The Labour Party, (LP)  State gubernatorial candidate in the just concluded 2023 election, Keftin Amuga has pleaded with the State Governor Muhammadu Yahaya, to release them in the spirit of the season.

The alleged detainees were arrested by security operatives following the breakdown of law and order during the  tussle between the presumed winner, Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba, and the current occupier of the seat, Sanusi Maishanu.

The viral protest in 2021 by Billiri Local Government Area residents over the government’s perceived insistence on a defeated candidate led to the destruction of lives and property valued in millions of naira.

Amuga in a press statement on Saturday,  to felicitate with Christians in the yuletide, appealed to the governor to release those he described as ‘political prisoners of conscience’ over their involvement in the Mai Tangle debacle.

According to Amuga, their continued incarceration supports arguments that the All Progressives Congress, (APC) is anti-Christian.

The statement reads, “I wish to appeal to Gombe State Governor, Muhammadu Inuwa Yahaya to kindly consider and release the political prisoners of conscience associated with the crisis over the appointment of Mai Tangle, who has been incarcerated since 2021.

“This heartfelt call is crucial to dispel any notion that the governor’s actions were religiously motivated to persecute the Christian Majority Tangale people.

“It is worth noting that the presumed candidate who secured the majority of votes, Dr. Musa Idris Maiyamba, received five out of the total nine votes, and all the detainees are of the Christian faith.

“Former Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir David Lawal, previously described the APC as a Muslim party with an Islamic agenda.”

Reflecting on such statements, the former gubernatorial candidate called on the governor to heed his plea to put to rest such misconceptions, calling on all elected and appointed politicians, regardless of primordial cleavages and partisanship, to join him in pleading with the governor,

“He should release these prisoners of conscience as a mark of respect and tolerance towards Christians during this significant Christmas season.

“By doing so, it creates an atmosphere of cordial religious tolerance and further enables these individuals to celebrate the occasion with their families.”

The LP candidate implored religious leaders, particularly Christian leaders, to join in the release of the detainees.

“Together, let us engage in soul-searching, thought-provoking, and prayerful Christmas and New Year celebrations.”